sanction

1[countable,usually plural]sanction (against somebody)an official order that limits trade, contact, etc. with a particular country, in order to make it do something, such as obeying international lawTrade sanctions were imposed against any country that refused to sign the agreement.The economic sanctions have been lifted.Topic CollocationsInternational Relationstradefacilitate/regulate trade (with other countries)form/join a trading bloclive in/compete in a global/the world economysupport/promote free tradeadopt/call for/oppose protectionist measureserect/impose/reduce/remove trade barriersimpose/lift/raise/eliminate import tariffs (on something)have/run a huge/large/growing trade surplus/deficitembrace/resist/drive globalizationpolitics and lawhandle/talk about/discuss foreign policypursue an aggressive/a hawkish foreign policyrequire/use/conduct diplomacyestablish/break off/sever/restore diplomatic relations/tiesfoster/promote/strengthen regional cooperationfacilitate/achieve economic/political integrationexercise/defend/protect/transfer/restore/regain national/state/full/limited sovereigntyconsolidate/extend/lose/retain your power (in the region)hold/maintain/change/alter/shift the balance of power (in the region)cause/create/open/expose/heal/repair a deep/growing/major/serious rift between X and Ymeetings and agreementshave/hold/host/attend an international conference/an economic forum/a G20 summitlead/launch a new round of global/multilateral/world trade negotiationssend/head/lead/meet a high-level/an official/a trade delegationfacilitate/begin/start/continue/resume peace talksbe committed to/be opposed to/disrupt/undermine/derail/sabotage the peace processnegotiate/achieve a lasting political settlementbroker/sign a peace deal/agreement/treatyconflictbe/constitute/pose a threat to global securitycompromise/endanger/protect national securityjustify/be in favor of/support/be against/oppose military interventionthreaten/authorize/launch/take/support/oppose unilateral/preemptive military actionimpose/enforce/lift/end economic sanctions/an arms embargo/a naval blockadeclose/protect/secure/patrol the borderlead/be involved in a peacekeeping operationaidnegotiate/announce a $15 billion aid package/an economic stimulus packagesend/provide/request/cut off military aidbring/provide emergency/humanitarian reliefdeliver/distribute medical supplies/food suppliesfund/run a foreign/a local/an international NGOreduce/eradicate/combat/fight child/global/world poverty

2[uncountable](formal)official permission or approval for an action or a changesynonymauthorizationThese changes will require the sanction of the court.Their ideas received official sanction at the meeting.

3[countable]sanction (against something)a course of action that can be used, if necessary, to make people obey a law or behave in a particular waysynonympenaltyThe ultimate sanction will be the closure of the restaurant.We now have an effective sanction against the killing of whales.